St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School in Aylesham has been recognized as a good school following its inspection on November 2, 2021. The school provides a welcoming environment where pupils feel safe, make friends, and enjoy their learning experiences. The positive relationships between staff and students contribute to a supportive atmosphere, and pupils demonstrate a clear understanding of bullying and trust adults to assist them when needed. The school promotes good behavior through a house point system, fostering teamwork and encouraging pupils to behave well both in lessons and throughout the school.
The school is committed to inclusivity, ensuring that all pupils, regardless of their backgrounds, feel welcomed. There is a strong sense of community, and staff take pride in their roles, showing genuine care for the pupils they teach. Pupils are enthusiastic about school trips, which often involve train travel to various locations, enhancing their learning experiences. Leadership opportunities are available for pupils, allowing them to take on roles such as house captains and well-being champions.
St Joseph’s places a high priority on reading, with a strong phonics program in place for early years and key stage one pupils. The reading materials provided align with the phonics taught in school, and pupils enjoy engaging with a variety of texts. The school also emphasizes mathematics, with a well-structured curriculum that is clearly sequenced from early years through to Year 6. Teachers effectively communicate new concepts and utilize assessments to ensure pupils retain knowledge.
The wider curriculum is designed to be broad and engaging, with the school motto of to love learning guiding its planning. Pupils have opportunities to learn in innovative ways, such as participating in live lessons with experts. However, there are areas for improvement, particularly in clearly identifying the knowledge pupils need to acquire in foundation subjects. This lack of clarity can lead to gaps in knowledge over time.
Pupils with special educational needs and disabilities receive appropriate support, with the special educational needs coordinator ensuring that their needs are quickly identified and addressed. However, some parents have expressed concerns regarding communication about the support their children receive, indicating a need for improved engagement with these families.
Pupils demonstrate positive behavior and a willingness to learn, and the school prioritizes their personal development. They learn to respect and tolerate differences, preparing them for life in modern Britain. The leadership team is dedicated to staff well-being, fostering a supportive environment where staff feel valued and part of a family.
The safeguarding measures in place are effective, with robust systems for identifying and reporting issues. Staff are well-trained to recognize signs of abuse, and leaders act swiftly to support at-risk pupils. The curriculum includes education on safety, ensuring pupils understand how to stay safe online and in their communities.
In summary, while St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School excels in many areas, there is a need for clearer identification of knowledge in foundation subjects and improved communication with parents of pupils with special educational needs. The school is already taking steps to address these issues, demonstrating a commitment to continuous improvement and the well-being of its pupils and staff.
